A book for everyone: Read these books before your kids go back to school

It’s almost back to school time, and whether you’ve loved having them home or are secretly cheering to have them out of the house, one thing’s for sure – returning to school can be an emotional time.

Thankfully, there are many books out there that will help you ease them into it. Keep on reading to discover the perfect book for every child as they head back to school.

For the tiny tots and first-time students

Maybe this is your child’s first year at school or kindergarten – congratulations all ‘round! They’ll likely be feeling a little nervous, as will you, and that’s totally okay. Turn those pre-education jitters into excitement and awe by reading one of these gorgeous books.

Spot Goes to School by Eric Hill

Follow iconic children’s character Spot the dog to his first day at school! Our playful puppy friend is off to have fun in a new environment, with lots of new friends to make and things to do. This is perfect for tiny tots starting preschool or kindergarten, and has fun flaps to help develop their fine motor skills, and to encourage them to engage with the story and exercise their curiosity.

I’m Ready for Preschool illustrated by Jedda Robaard

This gorgeous board book, illustrated by Jedda Robaard, features a little animal friend who is excited and a little nervous to leave home behind and go to their first day of preschool. This is another sweet aid to help calm any potential nerves and get them ready and raring for a new chapter in their lives.

Starting School by Jane Godwin and Anna Walker

Beautifully illustrated by the beloved Anna Walker, this classic picture book by Jane Godwin is the perfect story to read your little one before they embark on their first day at primary school. It follows five children, all off to school for the first time, and the things they discover along the way. From making friends to learning new things, it highlights all of the best parts about school.

Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

Not to be confused with the above, this Starting School is by classic children’s authors Janet and Allan Ahlberg. A funny take on the first day at school, this book covers the things children will experience when they first walk in the classroom door, like finding friends, experiencing first-day jitters, and the different lessons they’ll learn. Another must-read for those little ones that are a bit apprehensive about this big milestone.

For the experienced school-goers

Even if they’ve been in school for years, there are always new things to learn! Add these books to their summer reading lists to encourage empathy, kindness and a positive attitude for the 2021 school year.

Alice-Miranda at School by Jacqueline Harvey

Our favourite schoolgirl heroine has all of her adventures at the Winchester-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies, making new friends and solving mysteries along the way. Alice-Miranda is not only a super fun series to read with your 8 to 12-year-old, but it also subtly includes themes of acceptance, resilience and compassion.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

If your child hasn’t read Wonder, what are you waiting for? Set predominantly in a school environment, this book – which has been adapted into a major motion picture – is an unforgettable story that every child should have the chance to read and connect with. Auggie just wants to be normal, but his facial abnormality means that other kids treat him differently – even though he feels exactly like everyone else. Off to his first day at a new school, Auggie must learn how to relate to his new classmates, and convince them that they have more in common than they might think . . .

You Must Be Layla by Yassmin Abdel-Magied

In social activist and media personality Yassmin Abdel-Magied’s debut middle-grade book, Layla starts at a new school that’s completely different to her old one. Everything’s so unfamiliar, and she feels as if she sticks out like a sore thumb with her long skirt and headscarf. But, Layla is determined to make the most of it. This journey of identity, persistence and learning how to fit in – or stand out – is an essential read for students in Grades 6 and up.

For the mums at home

Finally, you didn’t think you were getting off that easily – parents, here’s some required reading for you too! Peruse this over the summer break to send them off to school with confidence.

Anxious Mums by Dr Jodi Richardson

Although we won’t make you do a book report, this non-fiction must-read by Dr Jodi Richardson will help you manage any anxiety you might have around the kids going back to school. Perfect for understanding and accepting the worries that come hand-in-hand with parenthood, this guide discusses a huge range of topics, one of which is letting go as they head off to school and start living their own unique lives.